First Basketball Spirit Night Game versus YNBA

It's been a long time since the boarding students have been able to enjoy a 'spirit night' basketball game here at SAC, and Wednesday's game vs. York North Basketball Association (YNBA) did not disappoint!

Students packed the bleachers of Bedard Gym to cheer on the Saints, with the support of their Heads of House, and contributed to a fantastic atmosphere. The Andrean Life Council did an incredible job with player introductions and music. Mr. McMillan's Pep Band sounded fantastic during stoppages of play, and Mr. Leong-Sem provided reliable tech support!

The Saints got off to a slow start in the opening quarter, as slow transition defence allowed YNBA to get to the rim and get out to an early double-digit lead. Andreas Gronstedt got to the free throw line for the Saints and got us on the board, while Ashton Hunter was relentless on the glass, and Nico Gupta-Baltazar chipped in with a key bucket.

The second quarter saw the Saints push the tempo and score in transition, thanks to the intensity from Tinaye Ngorima, Tony He, and Niko Athanasopoulos. Kyle Murphy heated up from the perimeter and knocked down shots as the Saints grabbed a 29-24 halftime lead.

The second half was a see-saw battle, with both teams trying to pressure the opponent into turnovers. The Saints extended their lead, but YNBA battled back with steals and fast break buckets. Down the stretch, Kai Erkkila was a force in the paint for the Saints, while Tim Zhang and Jacari Marshall provided solid defence and executed well on offence. The Saints put the ball in Anthony Lio's hands for critical possessions in the final two minutes, and he took care of the basketball and finished on his pull-up jumpers to seal the victory.

It was an excellent win for the Saints to kick off the second half of their season! Next up, The York School on Tuesday, February 15 in Bedard Gym.

SAC 51
YNBA 40

 

Story by Sean Ludwig, Head Coach First Basketball